Somalians flee Mogadishu for fear of new armed clashes

Residents of the Somalian capital Mogadishu fled their homes fearing armed clashes will renew in their neighbourhoods.
Over the past few days, military forces opposed to President Farmajo’s term extension, took over positions in Mogadishu, barricading roads along Maka al Mukarrama, a key road that is often used by the government officials.
On Sunday night, sporadic bursts of heavy gunfire rang out across the capital after fighting broke out between government forces and soldiers allied along clan lines to various opposition leaders. They asked locals to leave the area.
“Armed men dressed in military uniforms, they came to us at 2.30 am local time and told us to leave and escape with our wives and children” said a resident of Mogadishu, Abdi Ali Abdi.
With Somalia failing to organise presidential elections earlier this year, President Farmajo’s term was extended for two more years. A move that angered the Somalian opposition.
Armed clashes between opposition fighters and government forces have recently killed at least three people in Mogadishu.

Edited by Olajumoke Adeleke